I am an avid book reader. I average a book a week. I only read just before going to bed. I don't like reading books on a computer because it strains my eyes. I have lots of pdf books that I have never read. The Kindle announcement renewed my interest in ebook readers. I have been all through this forum reading about all the readers. Lots of pro's and con's, lots of opinions. But my needs are very simple:

Download free ebooks
Convert file format if necessary
Transfer book using USB
Read
Bookmarking would be nice, but not necessary.
Page turning should be fast
Adjusting text size, font type, line spacing
Recharging using USB or included power adapter
4x6 reading area, like a standard paperback book
Sharp, clear text
Easy on the eyes, no strain
Memory card expandability

I may be asking for too much. Readers have come a long way since they were first introduced. If I can get a reader to fit my needs from between $300US and $350US, I would be pleased.

If you are in the US, then there are three options that all use the same identical 6" E-Ink screen: Sony PRS-505, Bookeen Cybook, Amazon Kindle. The Sony has a newer screen controller and can do 8 level grey scale (vs 4 level in the other two). Page turns is the fastest available with E-Ink and should be comparable between the three. The Sony is the cheapest, and you can probably get it before Christmas (and see one in person first at a Border's bookstore). There is no compelling reason to pay more in your case for the others. Note that you will need to use the software from this site to convert many of your e-books for the Sony.

If you are outside the US, the Bookeen is probably your best choice - even though the lack of access to the Sony and Amazon e-books stores is not an issue for you.

None of these are very good with PDFs - you are much better off with a reflowable format. With a reflowable format, the 6" screen is big enough (and you can change the font size as needed, the larger the font the fewer words per page).

Thanks folks. I ordered a Sony PRS-505. For my needs, I think it will work splendidly. I will be downloading lfr books either from here or manybooks.net or the gutenberg project, or any other place I can find free books.

Thanks folks. I ordered a Sony PRS-505. For my needs, I think it will work splendidly. I will be downloading lfr books either from here or manybooks.net or the gutenberg project, or any other place I can find free books.

My needs are very similar to yours.
I am very satisfied with Sony Reader PRS500